Voices Together ‎#577

577. Count Well the Cost

1 “Count well the cost,” Christ Jesus says,
“when you lay the foundation.”
Are you resolved, though all seem lost,
to risk your reputation,
your self, your wealth, for Christ the Lord,
as you now give your solemn word?

2 Into Christ’s death be buried now
through baptism’s joyous union.
No selfish claim should you allow
if you desire communion
when Christ’s redeemed together meet,
the bread of fellowship to eat.

3 Within the church’s warm embrace
the child of God is molded.
God’s Spirit lights the infant face,
and in God’s grace is folded.
With childlike steps, Christ’s plan we trace,
till we grow up in godly grace.

4 In Christian growth we are matured,
of fruitful vines a token.
That this good growth may be assured
ofttimes to us is broken
the bread of fellowship replete
when Christ’s redeemed together meet.

Text Information

• First Line: “Count well the cost,” Christ Jesus says
• Title: Count Well the Cost
• Author: Alexander Mack Sr.
• Translator: Ora W. Graber
• Meter: 8.7.8.7.8.8
• Publication Date: 2020
• Scripture:
  Matthew 10:37-39
  ;
  Matthew 16:24-26
  ;
  Mark 8:31-38
  ;
  Luke 9:57-62
  ;
  Luke 14:26-33
  ;
  Romans 6:3-11
• Topic: Baptism; Body of Christ; Church; Commitment; Discipleship; Heritage: Church of the Brethren; Lent
• Source: “Überschlag die Kost,” Geistreiches Gesang-Buch…, 1720; trans. Ora W. Graber (USA), European Origins of the Brethren, 1958, alt.

Tune Information

• Name: MACH’S MIT MIR / EISENACH
• Composer: Bartholomäus Gesius (ca. 1600)
• Adapter: Johann H. Schein (1628)
• Meter: 8.7.8.7.8.8
• Key: D Major